Last updated on Jun 28, 2024

Here's how you can avoid common mistakes when building relationships in mid-career.

Building relationships in mid-career can be a nuanced challenge. Unlike the early career phase, where networking often comes with a sense of urgency and a blank slate, mid-career professionals must navigate existing networks and reputations while seeking growth. It's a delicate balance between leveraging what you've built and expanding your horizons. Avoiding common pitfalls requires a strategic approach, one that respects the complexity of professional dynamics and personal growth at this career stage.

1 Listen First

Active listening is a cornerstone of effective communication, particularly when you're working on building or strengthening relationships. Remember, conversations are a two-way street; it's not just about expressing your thoughts but also understanding others'. In mid-career, you often have a wealth of experience to share, but resist the urge to dominate discussions. Instead, focus on what your colleagues are saying. This will not only help you gain valuable insights but also show that you value their perspectives, fostering mutual respect and deeper connections.

Add your perspective

Denis França 🚀

Linkedin Creator• Manager HR |Generalista • Consultor de Carreira |DHO • Headhunter • HR Business Partner • Talent Acquisition • Workshop Organizer • Scrum Master • CS Consultoria 🎯
Report contribution
ouvir primeiro é fundamental para um bom relacionamento profissional. Quando você ouve atentamente, demonstra respeito e consideração pelas opiniões e ideias dos outros. Isso ajuda a construir confiança, promove a colaboração e reduz mal-entendidos. Além disso, ao ouvir, você pode entender melhor as necessidades e preocupações dos colegas, permitindo resolver problemas de forma mais eficaz e tomar decisões mais informadas.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

2 Reciprocity Rule

The principle of reciprocity is powerful in relationship building. It's the idea that if you do something beneficial for someone, they are likely to want to reciprocate. In mid-career, it's easy to fall into transactional networking—connecting only when you need something. To avoid this, consistently offer your help and support to others without immediately expecting anything in return. This builds goodwill and trust, which can lead to more robust and meaningful professional relationships over time.

Add your perspective

3 Adapt and Grow

Flexibility is key in maintaining and developing new relationships. As you progress through your career, industries evolve, and so should your relationship-building strategies. Be open to adapting your approach based on current trends and the diverse preferences of new contacts. For instance, younger colleagues might prefer digital communication over traditional face-to-face meetings. Staying adaptable demonstrates that you're not stuck in your ways and are willing to meet others halfway.

Add your perspective

4 Maintain Balance

A common mistake in mid-career relationship building is overextending yourself. While it's important to be proactive, be mindful of your existing commitments. Stretching yourself too thin can lead to burnout and may even damage relationships if you can't follow through on promises. Prioritize quality over quantity in your interactions and commitments. This ensures that you can provide value in each relationship and maintain a sustainable network that supports your career goals.

Add your perspective

Denis França 🚀

Linkedin Creator• Manager HR |Generalista • Consultor de Carreira |DHO • Headhunter • HR Business Partner • Talent Acquisition • Workshop Organizer • Scrum Master • CS Consultoria 🎯
Report contribution
Equilíbrio emocional é essencial para um relacionamento profissional saudável. Um equilíbrio emocional ajuda a lidar com o estresse, a tomar decisões racionais e a comunicar-se de maneira eficaz. Isso te ajuda a ser mais resilientes, a manter uma atitude positiva e a construir relacionamentos de trabalho mais sólidos e cooperativos. Além disso, um bom equilíbrio emocional contribui para um ambiente de trabalho mais harmonioso e produtivo.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

5 Personal Touch

As you advance in your career, the temptation to automate or delegate relationship-building activities can grow. However, personal involvement is crucial. Automating networking emails or using assistants to manage your contacts can come off as impersonal and may harm your relationships. Make an effort to personalize your interactions; a handwritten note or a direct phone call can make a significant impact and show that you genuinely care about the relationship.

Add your perspective

Denis França 🚀

Linkedin Creator• Manager HR |Generalista • Consultor de Carreira |DHO • Headhunter • HR Business Partner • Talent Acquisition • Workshop Organizer • Scrum Master • CS Consultoria 🎯
Report contribution
Um toque pessoal, mostrar atenção e fazer contato são aspectos cruciais para manter uma boa relação profissional. Quando você demonstra atenção, mostra que valoriza e respeita seus colegas, o que fortalece a confiança e a colaboração. Fazer contato regular, seja por meio de conversas presenciais ou virtuais, ajuda a manter a comunicação aberta e a resolver rapidamente quaisquer problemas ou mal-entendidos. Essas práticas contribuem para um ambiente de trabalho mais coeso e produtivo, onde todos se sentem ouvidos e valorizados.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

6 Reflect Regularly

Finally, take time to reflect on your relationship-building efforts. Mid-career professionals often have busy schedules, but it's important to periodically assess the health of your network. Are there relationships that need more attention? Are there people you've lost touch with that could provide mutual benefits if reconnected? Reflection allows you to strategically plan your networking activities and ensures that you're not just building relationships for the sake of it but nurturing those that align with your values and career aspirations.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can avoid common mistakes when building relationships in mid-career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Reciprocity Rule

3 Adapt and Grow

4 Maintain Balance

5 Personal Touch

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Relationship Building

More relevant reading

Here's how you can avoid common mistakes when building relationships in mid-career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Listen First

2 Reciprocity Rule

3 Adapt and Grow

4 Maintain Balance

5 Personal Touch

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Relationship Building

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills